Role of pharmacogenetics in chemotherapy of colorectal cancers

SCOPE: Clinical implications associated with polymorphisms in drug-metabolizing genes involved in the chemotherapy of colorectal cancers (5-flurorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan) are reviewed. CURRENT SITUATION AND SALIENT POINTS: Treatments of colorectal cancers have been greatly improved last years but patients respond differently to identical medication. Genetic polymorphisms are one of the major causes of these individual responses to drugs associated with sometimes severe adverse effects. Pharmacogenetics is based on all polymorphisms that determine genetic human diversity associated with variable response to anticancer drugs. PERSPECTIVES: Morbidity and mortality related to toxicity or inefficacy of these drugs could be reduced by analyzing the pharmacogenetic profile of patients before treatment. Results should be integrated in protocols for monitoring and assessment the dosage of drugs.